TRAMLINES 2025: JARVIS COCKER AND THE REASONS WE WORSHIP PULP

Jarvis Cocker is a frontman unlike any other; a modest hero, a national treasure, and the one and only true indie icon. Pulp’s 2025 Tramlines return will be a non-run-of-the-mill gig; it will be a massive party celebrating their unbreakable will and Jarvis’s own special magic. What on earth is it that we love him so? Because he’s a rebel in his high-waisted trousers, to begin with. Seriously though, in one word it’s his authenticity, he’s irredeemably himself: unbridled, theatrical, and obstinately human.

In all honesty, I can confidently say, without a doubt, that there is absolutely nobody in this world who is quite like Jarvis Cocker. When I was a 16-year-old schoolgirl trying to make sense of the complexities of adolescence, I was completely captivated and utterly spellbound by the magical music made by the band Pulp. Yes, my admiration for him ran so deep that I was even inspired to wear a suit in his honour; such was the deep respect and admiration I had for this band.

As it so happens, he lives near a close family members house, and on one very memorable Boxing Day, I will never forget the unforgettable sight of him entering the doorway of the pub. I did not bother him; I’ve spent time and worked with a few famous folks. They need to have their time with their family uninterrupted. Still, I must admit that I was completely awestruck and overwhelmed by having a glass of fizz in the sheer presence of this legendary figure.

Jarvis has an incredible quality that is the perfect combination of coolness and an endearing nerdiness, which I assure you is intended as a sincere compliment; he is not only a deep poet of life itself but also a compelling and engaging storyteller who effortlessly flits between sarcasm and unapologetic honesty. Whether performing on stage or merely socialising with friends in his local pub, he carries an effortless charisma about him that is impossible for anyone to ignore. Just one glance or a warm, welcoming smile from him is more than enough to make anyone quickly realise the exceptional nature of his character.

Jarvis has never been a follower of fashion; he’s leading it, combining irony with effortless individuality. Strolling down the street, he’s a contradiction in the best possible way. And the defining moments of his career? Who would forget Glastonbury ’95, when Pulp headlined when the Stone Roses didn’t play?

“You can’t buy feelings, and you can’t buy anything worth having.” Jarvis Cocker (Glastonbury 1995)

When the opening of Common People thumped across the Pilton fields, it wasn’t a performance; it was a Britpop moment.

And who would forget the notorious BRIT Awards protest of 1996, when Jarvis gate-crashed Michael Jackson’s performance of Earth Song? That michevious naughty boy act made him a hero overnight among working-class folk. If you were unaware of Jarvis Cocker prior, you definitely knew him after that. Becoming Myron Wagtail in the world of the Harry Potter books made him even more popular.

Musically, hits like Disco 2000 and This Is Hardcore are not just your regular songs; they are tales of melancholy memories and smart thoughts by Jarvis. No specific emotion is needed to make his song lyrics powerful; they simply describe life as it is and make songs that stay in the mind. Tramlines 2025, is Pulp’s performing in Sheffield, it’s at home, playing all the songs in the wit and rawness in which they originally made them. Seeing Pulp live in Sheffield is honestly like seeing magic.

Jarvis’s performances are as much spectacles as concerts. His wiry, gangly body becomes integrated into the music, twisting and swaying and shimmying across the stage. Not that he performs music, though; he is music. The stage is his playground, and each movement is seemingly spontaneous and charged.

I can not wait for Tramlines 2025, where we get to indulge in all that we love about Pulp and their mercurial frontman. Forever a maverick, Jarvis is not staging a concert; he’s living in the moment, as he’s always done decade by decade. From his Glastonbury victory to his BRIT Awards shenanigans, we’ve had every reason to love him. And in Tramlines, he’ll do it again. It’s his city; if you’re lucky enough to have a ticket, we get to see it.

Pulp’s headline performance at Tramlines 2025 promises to be a monumental event, celebrating their legacy and Jarvis Cocker’s magnetic stage presence in their hometown of Sheffield. Taking place at Hillsborough Park from July 25th to 27th, the festival will feature Pulp on Friday night, alongside a curated lineup of acts chosen by the band themselves. Limited tickets are still available, and you can secure yours through the official Tramlines website here.